If you would have asked me this question when I was younger and, arguably, dumber, my answer would have referenced some uber long, make-the-eyes-bleed pool workout that made some swimmers run for the locker rooms to puke. Even today, my knee jerk reaction is to think of the multiple climbs up into the mountains along Boulder’s front range.
But, then I take it a few layers deeper and think what it is about climbing a mountain on a bike or even on foot that is appealing. In part, it’s the killer workout; there’s no hiding and no cheating when gravity comes into play. It’s also part scenery – the forest, the surrounding hills, the stars and sunrise during my early morning rides, various forms of wildlife, the rushing creeks and rivers full of mountain run-off, and so on. It’s the clearing of the mind as I focus on the singular purpose of climbing efficiently. It’s the vacuous absence of noise.
Regardless of whether I’m in or out of shape. Regardless of whether I’m climbing well in control or pressing myself to my limits. Regardless of whether I’m alone or with my training mates. The act of being away from the day-to-day hustle and bustle, of reconnecting with a primordial hard-wired need to be in nature, fills me up even as the workout itself might be breaking me down.
And that’s what having a favorite workout is all about for me. If I get filled up with energy even as I expend it, then it will be a memorable workout for sure, and possibly a favorite. I really can’t think of “a” favorite. Probably a Top 10 list, though!
So, how do you define your favorite workout?
Happy Training,
Coach Nate
But, then I take it a few layers deeper and think what it is about climbing a mountain on a bike or even on foot that is appealing. In part, it’s the killer workout; there’s no hiding and no cheating when gravity comes into play. It’s also part scenery – the forest, the surrounding hills, the stars and sunrise during my early morning rides, various forms of wildlife, the rushing creeks and rivers full of mountain run-off, and so on. It’s the clearing of the mind as I focus on the singular purpose of climbing efficiently. It’s the vacuous absence of noise.
Regardless of whether I’m in or out of shape. Regardless of whether I’m climbing well in control or pressing myself to my limits. Regardless of whether I’m alone or with my training mates. The act of being away from the day-to-day hustle and bustle, of reconnecting with a primordial hard-wired need to be in nature, fills me up even as the workout itself might be breaking me down.
And that’s what having a favorite workout is all about for me. If I get filled up with energy even as I expend it, then it will be a memorable workout for sure, and possibly a favorite. I really can’t think of “a” favorite. Probably a Top 10 list, though!
So, how do you define your favorite workout?
Happy Training,
Coach Nate
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